One corner of the lot is given over to community gardens that are apparently run by studentsAges: 1-9?Surface: rubbery/blacktopShade(0-3): 1Water: YOther: picnic tables (full size, and mini/kid size under a missing roof), basketball, rec. center with covered area, mural, and bike rackAccess: 6am-10pm listed

Impressions: Lack of shade is a problem here, but for a smallish park the offerings are good in variety, and the shady tables seem welcoming for a family outing. A small amount of wear and graffitti, but beter off than others nearby (no trash, and a team was whacking weeds during our weekend visit). The cement ocean liner seems like a draw for groups of kids with a creative bent.Overall rating: 6-7

Tips for playground designers

Always aim high. Manufacturer estimates of appropriate ages to use their equipment appear to be based more on liability concerns than on the reality of kids on the ground. My two-year-old laughs in the face of your "5-12 only" warning! Littler kids don't mind having to grow into a few features of a playset, but insufficient challenge will remove any interest in playing there.

Pay extra for the plastic slides. Count this one double if your site has minimal shade -- there will be seasons in which a metal slide is entirely unusable for anything other than popping popcorn. That can undermine the whole outing. While I'm here, don't forget tunnel slides, which seem to be disproportionately popular, especially with the younger set.

The value of shade can't be overstated, especially for the smallest kids and/or for equipment (like swings) where they're likely to stay for a while. Planting trees over by the benches might look nice, but the ones by the equipment will really bring families back.

Don't forget crawlers! It's the rare playground that has anything at all for kids who crawl or can stand supported, and parents really appreciate those that do. Cement sculptures have always served this population, as do crawl-through tunnels of various types and low "nursery school" slides.